8 Bodies Recovered From Tungabhadra River After Boat Sinks During Ganesh Visarjan

At least 12 devotees, who were immersing a Ganesh idol after Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations, fell into the Tungabhadra river.

SHIVAMOGGA -- The rescue team has recovered eight bodies, out of the 12 people that drowned yesterday while immersing a Ganesh idol, in the Tungabhadra river in Karnataka's Shivamogga district as search operations are still underway.

At least 12 devotees, who were immersing a Ganesh idol after Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations, fell into the Tungabhadra river.

#UPDATE 8 dead bodies recovered (out of 12) till now from Tungabhadra river in Shivamogga. Search op still underway.

The incident occurred when a boat carrying a group of 30-35 youths turned turtle in the river. Many among the group are still missing.

Five of the boat's occupants managed to swim back to shore.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival celebrated, in which Ganesha idols are brought home and installed with great ceremony (sthapna) on a decorated platform. The idol is offered pure water along with libations such as honey and milk.